Clarithromycin (Klaricid, Biaxin): dosage and how to take

▪️ The dose of clarithromycin prescribed depends on the type of infection you have and age. The usual adult dose for respiratory tract infections and moderate skin or soft tissue infections is 250mg clarithromycin oral immediate release formulations only is twice a day. For acute cough associated with COPD this is increased to 500mg twice a day of the immediate release formulations.

▪️ Clarithromycin (immediate release formulations) is usually taken twice a day (every 12 hours).

▪️ Modified-release tablets of clarithromycin (Klaricid XL) are designed to release the clarithromycin gradually over the day as the tablet passes through the gut. This only needs to be taken once a day, at the same time each day – this type of tablet should not be broken, crushed or chewed and should be taken with food.

▪️ Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose of clarithromycin at the correct time, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. In this case, leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as usual when it is due. Don't take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. Always try to take the correct number of doses each day.

▪️ You may be asked to take a course of clarithromycin lasting for one to three weeks, depending on what is being treated. Make sure you finish the prescribed course, even if you feel better or it seems the infection has cleared up. Stopping the course early increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the bacteria will grow resistant to the antibiotic.

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